What to read this weekend: A historical horror classic in the making, and an ex-Facebook employee’s tell-all

Engadget - Mar 22nd, 2025

This week highlights three standout reads: Stephen Graham Jones' 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter,' Sarah Wynn-Williams' memoir 'Careless People,' and the debut of Image Comics' 'Bug Wars.' 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter' is a gripping historical fiction novel that intertwines the chilling tale of Good Stab, a Blackfeet man turned vampire, with the harsh realities of American history. Jones masterfully reimagines the vampire legend, blending folklore with a profound narrative that examines the atrocities faced by Native Americans. Meanwhile, Sarah Wynn-Williams' 'Careless People' offers a revelatory look into her tenure at Facebook, unearthing allegations against executives like Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, which have sparked significant controversy and landed it atop bestseller lists despite Meta's resistance.

Image Comics' 'Bug Wars' introduces readers to a thrilling new series crafted by writer Jason Aaron and artist Mahmud Asrar. The story follows the Slaymaker family, navigating their father's mysterious death, as they are drawn into an epic insect conflict hidden in their backyard. With Slade's accidental shrinkage into the insect world, the comic promises an adventurous blend of fantasy and family drama. Together, these releases showcase a range of compelling narratives, from the supernatural and historical to corporate exposé and fantastical adventure, offering readers diverse literary experiences.

Meta Memoir Sarah Wynn Williams Stephen Graham Jones Jason Aaron Image Comics Vampires Graphic Novel Blackfeet Tribe Corporate Ethics

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging overview of three recently released titles, appealing to fans of historical fiction, memoirs, and comics. Its enthusiastic tone and clear structure enhance readability and capture readers' interest. However, the article lacks depth in its analysis and fails to provide sufficient evidence or sources to support its claims, affecting its accuracy and credibility.

While the article touches on controversial topics, such as the claims made in 'Careless People,' it does not explore these issues in depth, limiting its potential impact and engagement. The absence of transparency and source attribution further undermines its reliability. Overall, the article is a lively introduction to new reading material but would benefit from more thorough research and critical analysis to enhance its quality and credibility.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims about the books and comics it reviews. For Stephen Graham Jones' 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter,' it accurately describes the historical context of the 1870 Marias Massacre, which is a verifiable historical event. The mention of the book’s comparison to vampire classics like 'Dracula' is subjective but credible if supported by literary critiques.

Sarah Wynn-Williams' 'Careless People' is claimed to be a memoir with controversial content about Facebook executives. While the article states that Meta's PR called the claims 'false and defamatory,' it does not provide evidence or further details about these assertions, which requires verification.

The description of 'Bug Wars' aligns with typical comic book narratives, but details like the series' debut and the creative team can be verified through publisher announcements. Overall, the article presents a mix of verifiable facts and subjective opinions, necessitating further investigation into some claims.

Balance

The article offers a balanced overview of three different genres: historical fiction, memoir, and comics. However, the tone leans towards promotional, especially in the enthusiastic recommendations for each title. The perspective is primarily that of a reviewer, with little room for opposing views or critical analysis beyond the praise.

In discussing 'Careless People,' the article briefly acknowledges Meta's negative response, which adds some balance. However, it does not delve into the specifics of the controversy or provide a counterpoint to the book's claims. This omission suggests a slight imbalance in presenting the full spectrum of perspectives.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with clear language and a logical flow. Each book and comic is introduced with a brief summary, followed by the reviewer's opinions and recommendations. This format makes it easy for readers to understand the main points and the reviewer's perspective.

The tone is enthusiastic and engaging, which enhances readability. However, the lack of detailed explanations or context for some claims might leave readers with unanswered questions. Overall, the article is clear and accessible, though it could benefit from more depth in certain areas.

Source quality

The article does not cite any sources or references to support its claims. It appears to be based on the author's personal opinions and interpretations rather than external sources or expert reviews. This lack of attribution affects the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

For 'Careless People,' the article mentions Meta's response but does not provide direct quotes or sources for this information. The absence of diverse and authoritative sources limits the article's reliability and leaves readers without a clear understanding of the context.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its presentation of information. It does not disclose the basis for its claims or the methodology behind the reviews. The absence of citations or references makes it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the content.

There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as whether the author received review copies or has affiliations with the publishers. This lack of transparency undermines the article's credibility and leaves readers without a clear understanding of the factors influencing the reviews.